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Felipe De Jesus Calderón Hinojosa President Constitucional of the Mexican United States felipe.calderon@presidencia.gob.mx
Miguel Covian Angel González Chief of a main directorate of Analysis the International mcovian@presidencia.gob.mx
Jaime Archundia Macedo Assistant director of Analysis and Investigation jarchundia@presidencia.gob.mx
Thorny Patricia Cantellano Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) dgcsinternacional@sre.gob.mx
Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) oic@semarnat.gob.mx
National Commission of the Water Mission Auditor Adjunto Gerencia Regional Peninsula De Baja California (Mexicali) orpbc_oic_cna@yahoo.com.mx
Rodolfo Elizondo Torres Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) admon@sectur.gob.mx
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. Thomas W. Santel, Vice President - Corporate Development Thomas.Santel@anheuser-busch.com dialbud@anheuser-busch.com
Carlos Fernandez G. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C.V. Carlos.Fernandez@gmodelo.com.mx
PROCERMEX, INC. Corona Beer procermexlt@corona-extra.com
Re: Opposition To Puerto Los Cabos Development For The Destruction Of The Estero De San José, Endangered Species Habitat, And Human Rights Offenses
Dear Mexican Government Officials and Corona Investors:
Investor Eduardo Sanchez-Navarro, heir to Corona Beer, is responsible for the development of Puerto Los Cabos’ 535 large yacht marina, golf courses, hotels, and housing developments. He is also responsible for facilitating the extinction of the Olive Ridley and Leatherback sea turtles and countless other species that Corona Beer heir is displacing. Not to mention, the destruction of a natural wave in front of the estero and marina which is enjoyed by thousands of ocean enthusiasts each year.
Both the endangered Olive Ridley and the Leatherback sea turtles nest on the beaches from San José up the coast of the Sea of Cortez to Cabo Pulmo. Scientific data shows that these beaches are the most important beaches for the nesting leatherback sea turtles in all of Baja California. The leatherbacks nest along the coast of Baja – but this stretch of beach that Corona heir is developing is the only place where the leatherback eggs actually hatch – due to the correct temperature and humidity conditions. Conservationists’ observations and reports have shown that the beach activity associated with hotels developments compacts the sand so the nesting females are unable to dig their nests. In addition, it is thought that hotel lights also affect nesting females. If development continues along the La Playa beaches, Corona heir will certainly have a direct devastating impact on these endangered species as well as the endangered beldings yellowthroat, least tern, brown pelican, and whale shark.
Additionally, we also oppose the dredging of the Estero in La Playa. The Estero de San Jose del Cabo, declared a State Reserve, is a freshwater estuary and oasis for wildlife. Nonetheless, the soil from Corona’s dredging is being placed directly on top of nine (9) types of native vegetation. One particular area is on a hill in the village of La Playa, they have piled up the spoilings so high that when the first heavy rain or hurricane hits all the soil will wash down the hill, over many houses in the village.
With regard to water pollution and shortage, establishing two golf courses will contribute to water shortage, habitat destruction, pesticides leaching into groundwater and flowing into the ocean habitats. With regard to water drainage, the marina jetties will change the local current and thus place over 200 meter of sand in front of the estero which will prohibit the natural drainage of the estero during major rain events.
Thus, the development is currently adversely impacting countless plant, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish and plant species, including but not limited to two endemic reptiles and three endemic bird species as well as 250 other avian species found there.
Lastly, the large marina, is not even necessary to have. The local fishermen of La Playa only use 20-22 foot panga boats and are currently comfortable in their situation. Take the time to consider the devastating impact that Corona’s heir will have on the direct depletion of endangered species, the marine environment and Corona’s reputation and please, take the initiative to change the course of this unlawful development.
Very Truly Yours,
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